Graduating to the next level

Cyclones seniors will get chance to play at CSU-Pueblo

Pueblo West High School lacross player, Hope Lambert, right, battles with Air Academy High School's Natalie Sannes for control of the ball during first half action Tuesday afternoon April 29, 2014 at Pueblo West High School in Pueblo West, Colo. Air Academy beat Pueblo West 19-1. (Bryan Kelsen, The Pueblo Chieftain)

BY ANTHONY A. MESTAS
THE PUEBLO CHIEFTAIN

Published: April 30, 2014;Last modified: April 30, 2014 12:29PM

As lacrosse creeps into Southern Colorado at the collegiate level, two high school seniors who play for the Pueblo West High School boys lacrosse team are taking advantage of the opportunity.

With the introduction of men’s and women’s lacrosse at Colorado State University-Pueblo, teammates and cousins Nick Cervi and Jordan Henson have signed to play for the Thunderwolves.

“It’s exciting to be able to play in college and locally is even better,” Cervi said.

The Cyclones senior has wanted to play college lacrosse since he started the sport in sixth grade.

“I like how it’s growing in this town. It’s really cool that it opened up (at CSU-Pueblo) the year that I am graduating,” he said.

Cervi was shopping around for a chance to play at other colleges and when it was announced that CSU-Pueblo would have a team, he was elated.

The two have been playing together since they were little kids.

It was senior night Tuesday for the boys lacrosse team, but Cervi and Henson were unable to win their last game at the high school level. St. Mary’s beat Pueblo West 9-6 in a game in which Cervi and Henson scored their last prep goals.

“We fought hard but it just didn’t really work out for us. We played with intensity. It’s tough to lose on senior night, but it’s OK,” Cervi said.

Ten seniors were recognized Tuesday night with their parents before a crowd that braved bitter cold winds.

Earlier in the day, the Cyclone girls team faced a tough opponent in Air Academy (11-2). The top-ranked Southern League Kadets dominated Pueblo West 19-1.

Despite the losses, Pueblo West coach Jason Pacheck said he is proud that some of his players are going to play in college.

“We are building up our youth programs in Pueblo and we are really glad that the college joined it,” Pacheck said.

“It’s a really good thing. These kids have a great place to go.”

He plans to help feed the CSU-Pueblo program with his players.

“It opens chances for local players to play at the next level and compete for positions with kids across the country,” Pacheck said.

Like Cervi, Henson is excited to continue his athletic career, especially because it’s a new program at CSU-Pueblo.

“It’s going to be nice to have family come out and watch us both. It’s fun to be able to play together at the next level,” he said.

Between the girls and boys match, Pueblo West’s boys junior varsity won 7-2 against St. Mary’s High School.